The Internet of Things for tourists—liberating or terrifying?

It’s either exhilarating, liberating—or downright terrifying, depending on your point of view. And according to some, it’s inevitable.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is being touted as being in line with what most tourists and travellers are looking for—namely, interconnection, mobility, efficiency, and convenience.

And according to Motherboard website, “there’s no arguing that the Internet of Things is improving the quality of urban life … leading to more efficient use of resources—reducing costs, consumption, stress, and congestion”.

It says: “Most tourists will take their smartphone and other connected devices with them on their travels. This creates an exceptional opportunity for the hospitality and transportation industries to provide them with an enhanced yet authentic experience.”

It rightly points out that tourism is increasing at record rates, and in Sri Lanka, the government is fully committed to doubling, if not trebling, the number of inbound tourists over the coming years.

“This tech is providing a glorious vision for the future of travel,” says Motherboard, “a streamlined affair where tourists can enjoy the pleasures of a trip without the stresses and inconveniences of being in unfamiliar territory.

“This is a welcome reprieve from the logistical nightmares that countless people encounter as they traipse around the globe.”

And it all comes down to sensors that can track your luggage, your phone—everything, in fact, including you, from the airport to your ‘enhanced’ hotel.

Spooky? Well, yes and no. All of this is already happening, but the tourism and hospitality industries have yet to find a way to capitalize on it in terms of offering it as an upfront benefit. But all that might be about to change…

According to the Internet Society, IoT “is an emerging topic of technical, social, and economic significance. Consumer products, durable goods, cars and trucks, industrial and utility components, sensors, and other everyday objects are being combined with Internet connectivity and powerful data analytic capabilities that promise to transform the way we work, live, and play.

“Projections for the impact of IoT on the Internet and economy are impressive, with some anticipating as many as 100 billion connected IoT devices and a global economic impact of more than $11 trillion by 2025.”